The Intellect Over the Athlete: Fernando Mendoza Drops Major NFL Draft Hint on The Pat McAfee Show

As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, the scouting world has its eyes fixed on a single name: Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana University quarterback, who recently capped off a historic collegiate career with a Heisman Trophy, is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. While Mendoza usually keeps his cards close to his chest, focusing on his rigorous training and physical preparation, he offered a series of tantalizing hints this Friday that have the entire league talking.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Mendoza didn’t just talk about his arm strength or his 40-yard dash time. Instead, he dove deep into the weeds of NFL offensive philosophy, signaling that he isn’t just looking for a team—he’s looking for a specific system.

The Kubiak Connection: A Schematic Soulmate

During his conversation with McAfee, Mendoza was asked which professional systems he studies to prepare for the next level. One name surfaced repeatedly: Klint Kubiak. The buzz around Mendoza’s comments was instantaneous, as the quarterback spoke with genuine reverence for the structure and efficiency of Kubiak’s offense.

“I really like the style and structure of Klint Kubiak’s offense,” Mendoza told the panel. He explained that his success at Indiana wasn’t just due to raw talent, but because the Hoosiers employed a scheme that mirrored the “McVay-Kubiak” philosophy.

The “Mendoza Fit” Pillars:

• Outside Zone Running: Setting the tone at the line of scrimmage.

• Play-Action Mastery: Using the run to freeze linebackers.

• Bootleg Mobility: Utilizing his underrated athleticism to throw on the move.

“We actually had a little bit of a Kubiak, kind of McVay system,” Mendoza noted. He specifically pointed to the recent resurgence of Sam Darnold as proof of the system’s power. Mendoza’s ability to break down the nuances of quarterback progression under Kubiak’s tutelage showed a level of football IQ that many scouts say is “unprecedented” for a 21-year-old.

The TB12 Blueprint: Mind Over Matter

Mendoza’s cerebral approach to the game isn’t an accident. In a separate conversation with Colin Cowherd, the Heisman winner revealed that his idol isn’t a modern dual-threat scrambler, but the GOAT himself: Tom Brady.

Despite his accolades, Mendoza remains remarkably humble about his physical gifts. “I read the TB12 book. I was always big on preparation,” he told Cowherd. “Because, like Tom, I’m not the biggest, I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest. But the edge is in the intellect and preparation.”

This admission is particularly significant given the current NFL landscape. Tom Brady now holds a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders—the very team that happens to hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. By aligning his work ethic with Brady’s and his tactical preference with Kubiak’s, Mendoza has effectively written a “love letter” to the Raiders’ front office.

Destination: Sin City?

The Las Vegas Raiders are in desperate need of a franchise savior. After years of revolving doors at the quarterback position, the opportunity to draft a Heisman winner with a “Brady-esque” mindset and a “Kubiak-ready” skill set seems almost too perfect to ignore.

Mendoza used the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots—the two teams currently preparing for Super Bowl LX—as examples of how a “right system and good planning” can lead to a rapid rebuild. His message to the Raiders was implicit: I am the plan.

Analyzing the “New Age” Quarterback

What makes Mendoza such a fascinating prospect is his rejection of the “pure athlete” archetype. In an era where many teams hunt for the next Lamar Jackson, Mendoza is betting on the return of the “field general.”

His comments on The Pat McAfee Show proved that he has been studying NFL tape long before the draft rumors began. He spoke about defensive rotations and secondary disguises with the clarity of a ten-year veteran. For a Raiders team that is looking to establish a new culture under the watchful eye of minority owner Tom Brady, Mendoza represents the ultimate “safe yet high-ceiling” bet.

Conclusion: Ready for the Clock

While Mendoza insists he is staying focused on his workouts and the draft process, the breadcrumbs he dropped this week have created a clear trail toward Las Vegas. He understands the type of offense the Raiders want to run, he respects the discipline of their most famous stakeholder, and he possesses the intellectual “edge” required to handle the pressure of being the top pick.

As the draft board begins to solidify, one thing is certain: Fernando Mendoza isn’t just waiting to see where he goes. He is actively manifesting a future where he is the next great architect of an NFL dynasty.